Associate/Senior Associate/Full Professor in History, Theory, and/or Philosophy of Architecture

Xi'an Jiaotong - Liverpool University – Department of Architecture

POSITION OVERVIEW

School: Design School

Salary: Salary and benefits packages are competitive and commensurate with rank and experience.

ABOUT XJTLU 

In 2006, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) was created by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University – a top ten university in China. Offering a unique international English-speaking education experience, XJTLU brings together excellent research practice and expertise from both institutions and gives students the skills and knowledge they need to secure careers in a global marketplace. XJTLU now has over 25,000 enrolled students in both Suzhou and Liverpool in the UK, with plans to grow to about 28,000 students by 2025. There are currently about 2,000 staff, among which about 1,000 academic staff, with an almost even split between citizens of the People’s Republic of China and international passport holders. XJTLU offers our undergraduates and postgraduates over 100 programmes with a diverse spectrum of courses. 

XJTLU is entering a new and exciting phase of its development as part of its strategic priorities for the next ten years. Adopting a new higher education model based on the concept of Syntegrative Education (SE), XJTLU is currently opening a new Entrepreneurial Education site in Taicang, part of wider Suzhou, where the Entrepreneur College (Taicang) is located. The Taicang site will be a pioneer of, and an educational model for, the future campus in addressing challenges arising from the 4th Industrial Revolution. Other new initiatives include new working partnerships with Xi’an Jiaotong University, the continued development of the four new Academies, and the exploration of further potential locations to develop the SE model. 

With a focus on innovative learning and teaching, and research, XJTLU draws on the strengths of its parent universities and plays a pivotal role in facilitating access to China for the UK and other institutional partners. At the same time, XJTLU is exploring future education by blending educational theory, best practices, and cultures around the globe. 

For detailed information about the university, please visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en 

ABOUT DESIGN SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

The Design School at XJTLU is the premier English-speaking hub for interdisciplinary design and built-environment education in China and on the global stage. Comprising four industry-leading departments—Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Design, and Urban Planning & Design—the School offers a dynamic, research-driven learning environment that seamlessly integrates cutting-edge design theory with advanced technical and managerial expertise. The Design School acts globally and acts locally with its research and education of future leaders.

Our academic programs in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, and industrial design are internationally accredited by leading professional bodies, reinforcing the exceptional quality of education we provide. These validations reflect the rigorous standards we uphold and underline our graduates' global recognition and career-ready capabilities. By fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, we prepare future leaders to meet the complex challenges of the built environment with creativity and vision.

The Department of Architecture at XJTLU fosters an environment of open dialogue where diverse perspectives are welcomed and creative risk-taking and speculative exploration thrive. We cultivate an atmosphere that encourages innovation and the freedom to push the boundaries of architectural design and speculative simulation.

Our globally competitive English-taught undergraduate and postgraduate programs, accredited by RIBA, are tailored to educate the next generation of architectural designers within both Chinese and international contexts. The Department’s research encompasses a wide range of cutting-edge areas, including cultural innovation, environmental sustainability, digital design and fabrication, architectural history and heritage, and practice-based design research.

We pride ourselves on nurturing independent, innovative, and socially responsible designers and leaders who approach space-making with creativity, critical thinking, and a forward-looking vision. Our student recruitment targets the top 5% of high school graduates locally and internationally, thanks to our strong partnership with the University of Liverpool, ensuring a vibrant and diverse student body.

Students in our department are immersed in Suzhou's rich architectural and construction landscape and the broader, fast-transforming Asian region, benefiting from our engagement with live projects, industry competitions, conferences, and academic collaborations. These experiences provide invaluable exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities, enhancing their professional development and preparing them to lead in the global architectural community.

For detailed information about the department, please visit https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/study/departments/design-school/architecture 

RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Design School’s Associate/Senior Associate/Full Professor in History, Theory, and/or Philosophy of Architecture within the Department of Architecture at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) in Suzhou, you will play a pivotal role in defining a globally relevant and locally impactful vision for architectural education and research. This position calls for a distinguished academic leader whose expertise and intellectual curiosity will shape a forward-looking agenda in architectural history, theory, and philosophy, engaging with issues that are critical to the architectural discourse over the coming decades.

We are seeking an innovative and visionary scholar who brings deep knowledge of architectural traditions and addresses the future-oriented questions shaping our field. Your role will be to engage both local and international perspectives, fostering an academic environment that bridges global architectural thought with Suzhou's unique cultural and urban landscape. You will lead research and teaching initiatives that explore critical topics such as digital transformation, ecological and cultural sustainability, urban resilience, and the evolving role of architecture in addressing societal challenges.

Your responsibilities will include a dynamic blend of teaching, research, and service, with a focus on high-impact, cross-disciplinary scholarship. Collaborating with colleagues across XJTLU and international networks, you will develop and deliver courses that engage students in both the foundational and emergent dimensions of architectural thought. Key topics may include critical theory, aesthetics, ethics, and the history and philosophy of design. Your teaching will inspire students to think critically and act responsibly as they engage with architecture’s impact on both local communities and global society.

A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is central to this role. You will teach at undergraduate and graduate levels, mentoring students and fostering a globally aware, culturally sensitive perspective on architectural practice and scholarship. Your research will contribute to the Design School’s reputation, securing its place as a leader in high-impact architectural discourse, with publications in prominent venues, successful research grants, and partnerships that resonate internationally.

This position is ideal for a visionary academic prepared to lead transformative conversations in architecture, guiding a new generation of globally-minded thinkers and practitioners who will shape the future of architecture both locally and on the world stage.

• Teach one design studio and one taught module a semester, including student academic mentoring
• Design research through the classic academic realm via research projects, innovations or via architectural practice or art in architecture. Publications and praxis projects at a level appropriate for the discipline and designation.
• Applications to external research funds;
• Service to support the administrative side of the Department, Design School and the University or extracurricular activities for students, staff, and discipline.
• Complete the Higher Education Qualification unless already holding one teaching certification or similar
• Participation in departmental activities and administrative life.
• Positions of administrative responsibility at departmental/school level.
• The typical distribution of teaching, research, and service is 40:40:20.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants to the position of Associate Professor should possess: 

• PhD in Architecture ideally with five years of teaching experience
• Fluent in English

Applicants to more senior ranks should also possess:

• PhD in Architecture ideally with a minimum of 7 years of academic experience and excellence in academic achievements
• Or a Master’s degree in Architecture ideally with a minimum of 10 years of practice, including extensive  senior executive experience equivalent to design Director and ideally 2 years of education experience 
• Fluent in English 

CITIZENSHIP AND VISA REGULATIONS 

Employment at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University is regulated by Chinese Labour Laws, and must comply with the provincial government's regulations. These regulations stipulate who is eligible for legal employment with regard to obtaining work permits and visas. Please be advised candidates over 65 may not be eligible for a work visa in P.R. China.

RESEARCH FUNDING SUPPORT 

The university provides every new faculty member with a Research Development Fund to encourage them to initiate research projects and a Research Engagement Fund to support their continuous research activities. 

The university will also support all faculty members in applying for national, province and city-level programs. These programs aim to support excellent Chinese and non-Chinese-citizen scientists to work and carry out research in China. 

Some of the programs are listed in the table below. The successful application is based on the applicant’s educational background, academic/research field, research achievements, working experience, etc. The university will provide full support on the applications. 

Talent/Research Program/Fund

• Outstanding Youth Science Foundation Project (Overseas)/RMB 1-3 Million
• Innovation Leading Talent/up to RMB 2 Million
• Outstanding  Leading Talent of International Discipline/50% of Annual Package
• Young Leading Talent of International Discipline/50% of Annual Package 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

SALARY: Competitive salary in the market 

BENEFITS 

1. Allowance: XJTLU provide various month/annual/one-off allowances as 

• Housing allowance
• Travel allowance
• Relocation allowance
• Child education allowance
• Etc. 

2. Commercial insurance: international insurance plans customized for XJTLU staff and family members. (details refer to the University Policy)

 3. Paid holidays: 

• Statutory Holidays (11 days)
• Annual Leave (36 days)
• Family Matters Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Marriage Leave
• Paternity Leave
• Parental Leave
• Research Leaves
• Etc.

4. Working visa and residence permit in China: XJTLU sponsors working visas and residence permits in China for the staff. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application on XJTLU career website, by clicking the 'Apply' button

Applications must be submitted that include:

• A cover letter
• A current CV, including country of citizenship, and highest degree level, contact details for three References
• Teaching and project portfolio (it is also acceptable as an additional attachment to be sent via email to Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn )

For specific enquiries about the position, please email the Head of Department, Dr. Davide Lombardi, at Davide.Lombardi@xjtlu.edu.cn . Informal enquiries may be addressed to HRBP for Design School, Ms. Xinyun Yang at Xinyun.Yang@xjtlu.edu.cn . Please quote the position and job ID in your enquiry.